Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious crime against society and has an unacceptably high incidence in South Africa. An act of domestic violence often starts a debilitating cycle of violence from which the victim finds it increasingly difficult to escape. Many women are trapped in abusive relationships for years, not knowing how to get out or make a stand. It is a crime that is predominantly hidden from family and friends.

Domestic violence may be Cheap Breitling Replica divided into different categories, which include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse between persons who are in a domestic relationship with one another:

< Physical battering B this ranges from bruises to murder

< Sexual abuse - forced sex or unwanted sexual activity

< Psychological abuse - constant verbal abuse, harassment, excessive possessiveness, isolation from family & friends, deprivation of physical & economic resources and destruction of personal property.

The abuser exerts control or power through fear, isolation and intimidation. They often appear to be pleasant and charming to the outside world and are usually extremely manipulative. Often the abuser blames stress, alcohol or other factors as the cause of their behaviour; while these may play a crucial role in such incidents, they are usually not the root cause. Generally abusers have a low self-esteem and feel inadequate, although they appear outwardly confident and successful. The type of behaviour patterns to be wary of, are extreme jealousy, possessiveness, tempers, unpredictable behaviour, cruelty to animals and verbal abusiveness. Accountability for their abusive behaviour is a concept abusers have trouble grasping – they often do not do so until they are well into recovery.

It is often difficult to understand why people stay in an abusive relationship, especially when their children are exposed to so much emotional trauma. This is due to a number of factors; The cycle of abuse usually creeps up subtly until it eventually escalates. By this stage the victim has been isolated from the support they need and they do not know where to go for help. They are usually feeling ashamed and embarrassed. There is also the fear factor caused by threats to the children, loss of financial provision and threats of further violence. Then there are the times when everything runs smoothly and there is hope for the future . . . until the next episode.

It must be noted that domestic violence is A CRIMINAL OFFENCE and the law can protect you. You can lay a criminal charge against the offender or apply for a protection order at court. There are a number of excellent Organisations dedicated to Domestic Violence issues who can support and advise you.

If you feel that you may be in an abusive relationship, or recognise that you are an abusive person who would like to stop your behaviour; please contact the/div>